https://timesuptermite.com
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 00:04:03 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4“I Can Handle Termite Control for My Berkeley Home” – Don’t Make that Mistake!https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2018/02/15/can-handle-termite-control-berkeley-home-dont-make-mistake/
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 00:04:03 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1116With so many popular do-it-yourself shows on the television, it is easy to assume that a homeowner can do anything and everything by themselves. Sure, you may be capable of building a new deck, redecorating a room, or do some outdoor landscaping; but that does not mean you should do everything yourself. For example, rewiring your new room addition should be left to a licensed electrician. Another job best left to the seasoned experts for your Berkley home is termite…

]]>With so many popular do-it-yourself shows on the television, it is easy to assume that a homeowner can do anything and everything by themselves. Sure, you may be capable of building a new deck, redecorating a room, or do some outdoor landscaping; but that does not mean you should do everything yourself. For example, rewiring your new room addition should be left to a licensed electrician. Another job best left to the seasoned experts for your Berkley home is termite control.

There are pros and cons in doing your own pest control versus hiring professionals. If you are ready to call in the experts, Times Up Termite, Inc. can help. We can inspect your home, assess any damage, and customize a termite treatment service.

Should you DIY or Hire Termite Control Experts in Berkeley?

Ready to take things into your own hands? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each choice:

DIY Pest Control

Save money: When you head down to your local home improvement store and pick up the chemicals and applicators, you can save on labor services, which in turns saves you money.

Work around your schedule: It is very convenient to come home after work and get the application done instead of coordinating with a pest control company.

Untrained eye: It takes a trained eye to locate all the places termites can hide in your home. Can you spot them all?

Dangerous chemicals: Remember, these chemicals kill termites, and they can pose a serious threat to your family if not handled correctly.

No warranty on your work: Unlike hiring a professional, there is no protection plan if you do not take care of the issue correctly.

Why Hire an Expert Termite Control Company

Trained professionals: Not only do they have the correct tools to apply chemicals exactly where needed, but they also have the knowledge to track down all sources of termite damage.

Thorough treatment: The professional expertise of a trusted pest control company ensures a better chance of having your uninvited guests totally eradicated when they are done treating your home.

Safety for your family: A trained exterminator knows precisely how to use the chemicals making sure you and your family are safe.

Trusted Termite Control Company in the Berkeley Area

Leave pest control to the professionals. A free home inspection by a licensed exterminator will help you understand what you are up against. Since 1991, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across the Berkeley, Oakland, Castro Valley, and Fremont areas protect their homes from unwanted pests.

]]>“It’s Winter! I Don’t Need a Termite Inspection in Oakland” – Wrong!https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2018/02/15/winter-dont-need-termite-inspection-oakland-wrong/
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 00:02:49 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1115Winter is the perfect time to head to the mountains for skiing or snuggling up with a good book. Generally, it is not a time for planting new flowers, painting outbuildings, or conducting repairs to your property. You may not even think about household pests like ants, silverfish, or worse, termites, invading your home. The reality is, winter does not mean termites go into hibernation like bears. They have no respect for seasons and are year-round destroyers of homes. No…

]]>Winter is the perfect time to head to the mountains for skiing or snuggling up with a good book. Generally, it is not a time for planting new flowers, painting outbuildings, or conducting repairs to your property. You may not even think about household pests like ants, silverfish, or worse, termites, invading your home. The reality is, winter does not mean termites go into hibernation like bears. They have no respect for seasons and are year-round destroyers of homes.

No matter what time of year it is, you need regular inspections. At Times Up Termite, Inc., our licensed professionals will investigate your home, gauge the severity of the damage, and tailor a termite treatment service for your Oakland home to minimize the damage these invasive pests can cause.

Winter Conditions Do Not Deter a Termite Infestation

Termites need just a few essentials to survive and thrive. Given the ideal conditions, an infestation can quickly wreak havoc on your property. Here are some basics to make you aware of how resilient these pests are:

Termites need cellulose which comes from wood, drywall, paper, cardboard, or plant matter. They also need water and humidity as their exoskeleton is not strong enough to protect them in dry conditions.

Termites like an average of 75 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. If Oakland’s winter is a bit colder, they will just dig deeper into your walls or underground.

These pests swarm together and reproduce in the spring. You may notice the swarming behavior because this happens above ground. You might see wings near your window sills. Even though it may be winter, you can observe other signs, such as:

Peeling paint

Cracks in your walls or ceiling

Soft spots on your floors

Hollow sounds when you knock on the wood

Termite waste, also called frass

If you do notice any of these signs, call an exterminator at once for a thorough pest inspection.

Nip Termite Damage in the Bud – Hire a Trusted Pest Control Company

Winter is not a time to let your guard down. The key to winning the war on termites is through proactive steps in treating your home. If you wait until they infest your woodwork, you will pay a high price for repairing the damage.

For more than 20 years, the certified professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across Oakland, Castro Valley, Berkeley, Fremont, and the surrounding areas, get rid of unwanted and damaging pests, and protect their family and home.

]]>Are these Ants or Termites?https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/12/13/are-these-ants-or-termites/
Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:44:52 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1112Have you noticed some strange looking ants in your home? For many, a carpenter ant and a termite appear to look the same. Both are black, have four wings, live in large colonies, damage wood, and swarm to mate. Beyond those traits, the similarities end; termite treatment is a different process than ant treatment. Termites cause millions of dollars of damage each year. Why put your home at risk when an inspection can help you control termites in your Fremont,…

]]>Have you noticed some strange looking ants in your home? For many, a carpenter ant and a termite appear to look the same. Both are black, have four wings, live in large colonies, damage wood, and swarm to mate. Beyond those traits, the similarities end; termite treatment is a different process than ant treatment.

Termites cause millions of dollars of damage each year. Why put your home at risk when an inspection can help you control termites in your Fremont, Oakland, Berkeley, or Castro Valley home? A call to Times Up Termite, Inc. can help. We can inspect your home, assess any damage, and tailor a termite treatment service.

Before you chalk up those winged ant-like insects as being carpenter ants, take a closer look.

How to Distinguish an Ant from a Termite

Carpenter Ants

Though carpenter ants do not eat wood, they will dig in and nest in it. They prefer moist or rotten environments like foam panels, wall voids, hollow doors, and windows. When left untreated, a colony will continue to spread into satellite colonies housing workers, mature larvae, and pupae.

Some physical traits of ants include:

A defined, narrow waist with three distinct segments

Antennae that are bent and look “elbowed”

Four wings with the hind wings being shorter than the front

Wings that are pointed instead of rounded

Termites

Unlike carpenter ants, termites will eat the wood in your home. Termites will infiltrate dry lumber where they will channel through, creating tunnels for their young and their waste. Usually, you can find swarmers in the spring when mating season is in full swing, and new colonies are on the hunt for new homes. Additional evidence of termites includes discarded wings, mud tubes, and small piles of droppings that look like sawdust.

Some physical traits of termites are:

A boxy, rectangular body divided into two segments, and no waist

Antennae that are straight and beaded

Four equal sized and shaped wings

Wings that are longer than the body

Contact A Termite Control Company You Can Trust to Inspect Your Home

Avoid ignoring any type of insect infestation in your home. A free home inspection by a licensed professional will assist you in knowing what you are up against. Additionally, regular checks every 12-18 months will keep your structure safe from these wood-boring homewreckers.

Since 1991, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across the Castro Valley, Berkeley, Oakland, and Fremont areas protect their homes from unwanted pests.

]]>I Think We Have a Termite Problem! What Should I Do?https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/12/13/think-termite-problem/
Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:42:01 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1111Have you been cleaning one day and noticed that the dust around your window sill looks different – like little pellets? Maybe you have seen some wings but have not found flying ants. It is possible you have a termite infestation in your home that is making good use of the wood in your property. If you believe you have these wood-boring pests, there are a few things you can do to control the termites in your Castro Valley home.…

]]>Have you been cleaning one day and noticed that the dust around your window sill looks different – like little pellets? Maybe you have seen some wings but have not found flying ants. It is possible you have a termite infestation in your home that is making good use of the wood in your property. If you believe you have these wood-boring pests, there are a few things you can do to control the termites in your Castro Valley home.

At Times Up Termite, Inc., our licensed professionals will inspect your home, evaluate the damage, and customize a termite treatment service for your home to minimize the damage these fast and fiery pests can cause.

3 Things You Should Do If You Discover Termites

If you find evidence of an infestation, there are a few things you should do when seeking assistance for termite control.

Do Not Panic – It is frustrating to find any kind of insect in your home. It can be easy to envision all sorts of scenarios where your family is hurt by these unwelcome guests. Keep in mind that termites do not feed off humans or pets, so they do not pose a physical threat to you or your animals.

While termites will cause structural damage, it is not immediate. You do not want to wait too long after finding evidence of a pest infestation, but it is not an instant threat to your home.

Gather All Evidence with Pictures or Videos – You are likely to find a variety of evidence in your home, from droppings and wings to excessive termite damage or the pests themselves. To aid in ridding your house of these pesky intruders, document all you find in real time.

When you take pictures or video of a termite infestation, it helps your certified inspector to determine the size and depth of the problem. It also lends clues to the source. Since a lot of the evidence can be easily blown away or cleaned up by the time an inspector arrives, documentation can be crucial to alleviating the issue.

Schedule an Initial and Follow-up Inspection – Once you have taken a moment to document all the evidence, setting up an inspection is next. Choose a qualified and licensed inspector, such as those at Times Up Termite, to come in and look at all areas of your home, including attics, crawl spaces, room interiors, and all around the exterior.

During the first inspection, an inspector will look for any infestation and give recommendations on how to remedy the problem

A second inspection is equally important as a new swarm can be introduced and already start building a new colony. To help combat new invaders, plan on having another review 12 months after the first.

Bonus Tip – One way to stay ahead of future invasions is with regular inspections. Contact your pest control company every 12-18 months for routine checks and enjoy a pest free home.

Termite Control by A Company You Can Trust

Do not ignore the signs. Get the termite treatment you need. With just a few steps, you can take control of your home once again and have the peace of mind that your structure is safe. For more than 20 years, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across Castro Valley, Berkeley, Oakland, and Fremont get rid of unwanted and damaging pests, and protect their family and home.

]]>Noticing Strange Flies? They May Be Drywood Termite Swarmers!https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/10/17/noticing-strange-flies-may-drywood-termite-swarmers/
Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:49:11 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1107–A Timely Termite Inspection in Oakland Can Catch an Infestation Have you noticed some strange looking flies lately? Maybe you have seen what you think look like flying ants. For the sake of your home and furnishings, it pays to take a second look and even get a professional opinion. It is possible that what you are seeing is neither a fly, nor an ant, but instead, you could be seeing flying drywood termites. Just because you find a few…

Have you noticed some strange looking flies lately? Maybe you have seen what you think look like flying ants. For the sake of your home and furnishings, it pays to take a second look and even get a professional opinion. It is possible that what you are seeing is neither a fly, nor an ant, but instead, you could be seeing flying drywood termites.

Just because you find a few flying termites, does not necessarily mean you have an infestation in your Oakland home. Yet, why take a chance? Each year, homeowners spend millions fighting these pests, and a few adult termites can quickly turn into tens of thousands of babies that grow fast and jump into action right away! When you contact Times Up Termite, Inc., we can inspect your home, evaluate any damage, and customize a termite treatment service.

What to Look for with Swarming Drywood Termites

Swarming normally occurs between April through July, but can also occur outside that time frame when the conditions are right, especially after a rainfall. Sexually mature termites burrow out of their nest and fly about looking for a new place to call home. Home just happens to be your wood floors, wooden decks, or even wood furniture.

When looking at what may be a drywood termite infestation, here are a few things to be aware of in these winged creatures:

They are dark brown in color. (Ants can be black and red, or dark)

They are typically ½ inch long.

They have black wings. (Ants have white wings.)

You will see a long body with no small segments. (Ants have a thin neck and thin waist.)

While they do swarm, they are actually poor flyers.

Where to Look for Drywood Termites

If you notice small cracks or joints in your wood, look a little closer for pellets that resemble coffee grounds. These pellets, called frass, are distinctive by their six distinct concave surfaces and round ends. Drywood termites do not need to have soil to survive, meaning they can very easily take up residence in your kitchen table or antique chair.

Call for a Termite Inspection of Your Oakland Home by a Company You Can Depend On

Avoid jumping to conclusions and assuming your home is infested by drywood termites just because you see a few winged bugs flying about. The best way to determine if your home has been invaded is through a free home inspection by a licensed professional.

Since 1991, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across Oakland get rid of unwanted and damaging pests to protect their homes. We have a variety of options to eradicate an infestation, including tenting, foam termiticide, or Termidor Dry and Altriset.

]]>10 Facts about Drywood Termites and When to Call for Termite Control in Fremonthttps://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/10/17/10-facts-drywood-termites-call-termite-control-fremont/
Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:31:50 +0000https://timesuptermite.com/?p=1106Across the United States, termites cause millions of dollars in damage to building structures. Unlike the funny termite characters in a cartoon show, termites are equal opportunity wood chewers! One type of termite called the drywood termite not only loves to make their home out of your home, they will even take up residence in a favorite piece of furniture. Once you understand some facts about these wood-destroying pests, you can be aware of what to look for, and when…

]]>Across the United States, termites cause millions of dollars in damage to building structures. Unlike the funny termite characters in a cartoon show, termites are equal opportunity wood chewers! One type of termite called the drywood termite not only loves to make their home out of your home, they will even take up residence in a favorite piece of furniture.

Once you understand some facts about these wood-destroying pests, you can be aware of what to look for, and when it is time to call for termite control in your Fremont home. Our licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. can inspect your home, assess the damage, and tailor a termite treatment service for your home to minimize the damage these fast and furious pests can cause.

10 Facts about Drywood Termites

They can live, feed and nest in wood with very low moisture content that is non-decayed.

They do not need soil to live, so they can even infest your favorite wooden furniture and destroy it.

They are found, not only in California, but also along the southern portion of the United States.

The male and female drywood termites work as a pair to drill into their wooden home of choice, seal the opening with a plug, and begin breeding their colony.

The whole colony can include up to 10,000 termites, all from a single pair, and there is no distinctive worker class.

When it’s time to reproduce, also called swarming, nymphs will drill through the wood to get out. When swarming is done, the new holes will be plugged.

Swarming flights typically occur from April through July, but can also take place during other times of the year, especially after a rainfall.

Damage to the wood cuts across the grain of the wood. Large channels are excavated and connected by tunnels.

Drywood termites are tidy. Their chambers and tunnels are kept clean by storing debris in unused chambers or pushed out through tiny openings in the wood.

Their excreta pellets, also call frass, are entirely different from their subterranean cousins. The pellets are hard and comprise of six distinct concave surfaces. The ends are round.

When to Call for Termite Control in Fremont

When you know your microscopic enemy, you can be better prepared for the battle. Ignoring possible infestation does not mean that your unwanted visitors will go away. If you notice any of the following signs, call for a complimentary termite inspection from Times Up Termite, Inc.:

Frass (droppings) near wooden portions of your home and furniture.

Swarming evidence left in windows. This can include wings.

Hollowed or damaged wood. This can include your furnishings.

Blistering in your wood flooring.

Termite Control in Fremont by A Company You Can Trust

Since 1991, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped homeowners across Fremont get rid of unwanted and damaging pests and protect their investment.

]]>How to Tell If I Have Termites in My Home?https://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/08/25/how-to-tell-if-i-have-termites-in-my-home/
Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:52:04 +0000http://timesuptermite.com/?p=1100Signs for Identifying Termites Signs of a potential termite infestation should not be ignored. If a termite infestation is neglected or goes unnoticed, the cost to repair the damages of a termite infestation only goes up. Annually, homeowners spend billions of dollars in termite repairs and treatment. Avoid breaking the bank on home repairs by getting a termite inspection and treatment in the Oakland bay area. There is often evidence of termite infestations. If you know what to look for,…

Signs of a potential termite infestation should not be ignored. If a termite infestation is neglected or goes unnoticed, the cost to repair the damages of a termite infestation only goes up. Annually, homeowners spend billions of dollars in termite repairs and treatment. Avoid breaking the bank on home repairs by getting a termite inspection and treatment in the Oakland bay area.

There is often evidence of termite infestations. If you know what to look for, you can address and possibly lessen the damage termites can wreak on your home. Times Up Termite can help you protect your investment with a free termite inspection. Our licensed inspectors are trained to seek out pest infestations and apply EPA-registered products applied in strict accordance to label instructions.

The information below, will help homeowners learn how to recognize and understand the signs of termites. We also hope this information will allow homeowners to know when to order a termite inspection so they can intervene in a growing infestation and take back control of their home.

Signs of Potential Termite Infestation

Here are a few signs you can look for that might indicate you need a termite inspection.

Droppings – A mating pair of drywood termites will create a small nest within wood. They then seal the hole they entered. As they run out of space, they will kick out their droppings, called pellets, through kick-out holes. The results are mounds of tiny, oval-shaped pellets that look similar to salt and pepper, sawdust, or coffee grounds.

Evidence of Swarmers – You can find evidence of swarmers around windows, doors, lamps, and other exterior light sources. They may leave behind their wings. If you see termites exiting from your foundation, walls, or porches, you should seek out termite treatment from a professional.

Mud Tubes – About the size of the diameter of a pencil, mud tubes can be found over floor joints, support piers, walls, and foundation. Mud tubes are used by worker termites to travel from their colonies to feeding grounds.

Hollowed or Damaged Wood – If you tap on the wood in your Oakland home and hear a hollow sound, it is possible that termites are in your woodwork. If you bump it with a vacuum, you might see breakage of your woodwork, revealing a feeding ground.

Blisters in Wood Flooring – Look for dark areas or blistering in your wood flooring. It may be a sign that termites are just underfoot and eating away.

Don’t Delay Calling Your Trusted Termite Control Company in Oakland

Finding termites does not necessarily mean you have an infestation. If you find evidence of termites, seek out the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. Since 1991, we have provided termite control for residences in the Oakland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, and Fremont areas.

]]>Termite Inspection and Treatment for Shared Wall Properties in Berkeleyhttps://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/08/25/termite-inspection-and-treatment-for-shared-wall-properties-in-berkeley/
Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:20:49 +0000http://timesuptermite.com/?p=1098What You Should Know About Inspecting Condos and Duplexes Annually, homeowners spend billions of dollars in termite repairs and treatments of termite infestations. Termites do not discriminate and will eat all types of cellulous regardless of the type of property. Termites frequently infest condos and duplexes in addition to single family homes, mobile homes, commercial buildings etc. Shared walls make it easier for termites to travel from one unit to the next. Subterranean termites that live in the ground can…

Annually, homeowners spend billions of dollars in termite repairs and treatments of termite infestations. Termites do not discriminate and will eat all types of cellulous regardless of the type of property. Termites frequently infest condos and duplexes in addition to single family homes, mobile homes, commercial buildings etc.

Shared walls make it easier for termites to travel from one unit to the next. Subterranean termites that live in the ground can enter through expansion joints between two slabs, making it simpler to attack more than one unit at a time. Since they stay hidden, discovering termite damage is difficult.

When you contact Times Up Termite, Inc. our licensed professionals can inspect your condo, assess the damage, and tailor a termite treatment service for your Berkeley home. Getting rid of pests in your condo can be tricky. We can help.

Termite Control Consideration for Condos and Duplexes

Most Home Owner’s Associations have a clause in their Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions detailing who is responsible for treating termites. It can be a complicated relationship, so be sure to read your CCRs thoroughly.

Handling Treatment When Your HOA is Responsible – If your HOA is in charge of treating termites, you must depend on their decision. For example, say they want to fumigate, but you do not, they can go ahead and fumigate. On the other hand, if you want to use tenting and they will only cover local treatments, their decision takes precedence.

Handling Treatment When Your HOA is Not Responsible – If your HOA is not responsible for treating termites, then you can do as you choose…with an exception:

Termites, Neighbors, and Shared Walls – If you want to utilize tenting, you have to do the entire building, not just part of it. If your neighbors are against the idea, then you will need to work with them or choose a different form of treatment.

Types of Termite Treatment

There are a few different ways to treat termites in your condo or duplex in Berkeley.

Tenting – This treatment uses the physical gas sulfuryl fluoride to rid your home of termites. It leaves no residue; however, you do have to seal any food or liquid to prevent contamination.

Foam Termiticide – We use Termidor Fipronil, this product is used for local treatments of subterranean and drywood termites.

Termidor Dry and Altriset are both products we use for localized treatments of termites.

Termite Control in Berkeley by A Company You Can Trust

For more than 20 years, the professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. have helped condo owners in the Oakland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, and Fremont areas rid their units of these damaging pests and protect their investment.

]]>Poor Yard Drainage Can Cause Termite Infestationhttps://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/03/30/wet-soil-can-be-a-termite-temptation/
Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:01:09 +0000http://www.timesuptermite.com/?p=943A common but good piece of advice about avoiding termite problems is removing dead wood, dying trees, and other “termite temptations” off your yard. However, there is another temptation for subterranean termites: wet soil. Subterranean termites are a highly invasive and destructive species that are drawn to moist soil. Whether a storm turns your yard into a swamp, or a leaky faucet is creating a wet patch of ground near your house, both conditions invite termites into your home. Keep your…

]]>A common but good piece of advice about avoiding termite problems is removing dead wood, dying trees, and other “termite temptations” off your yard. However, there is another temptation for subterranean termites: wet soil. Subterranean termites are a highly invasive and destructive species that are drawn to moist soil.

Whether a storm turns your yard into a swamp, or a leaky faucet is creating a wet patch of ground near your house, both conditions invite termites into your home. Keep your property near your house well-drained with these six suggestions:

Fix leaking plumbing. Plumbing that’s leaking into the soil isn’t always easy to spot. However, if your water bills are higher than normal, you could have a leak. Note your water meter reading before going to bed and check again the following morning. If you weren’t deliberately running water overnight, then a different reading indicates a leak.

Fix dripping spigots. Dripping external spigots keep the soil wet next to your home. This turns it into a likely entry point for termites. In addition, keep air conditioning water discharge pipes well away from your foundation.

Locate rain gutter downspout discharges away from your house. Discharge the water at least five feet from your foundation wall.

Properly landscape your yard. Water should flow away from your house when it rains. This means your house should be on the high point of your property. If this isn’t the case, have your yard graded accordingly or install drainage systems that keep the land near your home dry.

Repair uneven or tilted concrete. Rainwater should run off your sidewalks or patio away from your house. If any of their concrete slabs are uneven or tilted, water pooling may occur after rain storms.

Inspect your yard during a rain storm. The surest way to detect drainage problems is observing water runoff as it happens. You can also check immediately after a storm to see where the pooling occurs. However, during a storm you can see water flow patterns, which give you a better picture of the situation.

If you suspect you may have a termite problem or if it’s been years since your last professional termite inspection, don’t put it off. Addressing a potential problem sooner is always best. To schedule an inspection, please contact us.

]]>Termite Repair: Cutting Corners and Recycling Materials Isn’t Always Wisehttps://timesuptermite.com/blog/2017/03/21/termite-repair-cutting-corners-recycling-materials-isnt-always-wise/
Tue, 21 Mar 2017 17:57:56 +0000http://www.timesuptermite.com/?p=941Termite repair generally must follow all effective exterminations. The repairs don’t have to be costly. Unfortunately, some people try to save money by reusing materials and cutting corners. Depending on which materials are repurposed, it could end up costing beleaguered property owners more in the long run. Here’s why: It is not unusual for termite damaged materials to contain viable eggs. Thus, reusing the materials would be akin to leaving time bombs inside the home or business. In other words,…

]]>Termite repair generally must follow all effective exterminations. The repairs don’t have to be costly. Unfortunately, some people try to save money by reusing materials and cutting corners. Depending on which materials are repurposed, it could end up costing beleaguered property owners more in the long run. Here’s why:

It is not unusual for termite damaged materials to contain viable eggs. Thus, reusing the materials would be akin to leaving time bombs inside the home or business. In other words, the eggs could later hatch and the termite larvae could go on to establish another, even larger colony. Of course there are also materials from termite infested homes that may be recycled safely.

Let’s take sheetrock for example. Also known as drywall, it is not something termites are known to feast on or use as nesting material. However, they will damage it from time to time. Most of the damage generally takes place on the drywall’s paper-clad exterior. The insects will eat it because it’s typically made from a cellulose material. They may also choose to build their tunnels on the drywall’s exterior or break through the plaster on their way to other locations.

As such, undamaged sheetrock may sometimes be used to complete termite repair. The same is true of metal and PVC pipe fittings that went untouched. Wood from a damaged property, however, should never be reused for the reason we’ve already mentioned. Instead, it should be taken off property and disposed of away from occupied dwellings. In some cases, it may even be prudent to burn the wood for good measure.

If homeowners are unsure about the materials being used to complete termite repairs, they should make it a priority to meet with the construction company’s management. To learn more about the types of new and recycled materials often used to safely complete repairs, property owners are also welcome to contact our Times Up Termite Team today.